Exterior shoe attachment and method of use thereof

ABSTRACT

A footwear system including a first footwear article configured to accept a user&#39;s foot, the first footwear article having a body and a sole attached to the body, the sole having a flange member extending past the body forming a wing, and a second footwear article, the second footwear article comprising a sole having a raised ridge portion and a raised heel portion, the raised ridge portion and the raised heal portion forming a cavity configured to accept the wing of the first footwear article, wherein the second footwear article is configured to be detachably attached to the first footwear article.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation application of U.S. application Ser.No. 16/191,940, filed Nov. 15, 2018, which claims the benefit of U.S.Provisional Application 62/586,804 filed Nov. 15, 2017, the contents ofwhich are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a footwear system including removableshoe attachment and the application thereof. The shoe attachment allowsfor but is not limited to added traction, support, protection, shockabsorption, variability in color, shape and style of the primary shoe,etc.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Current shoes on the market are designed for a very specific purpose.For instance, a hiking sneaker has deep ridges and a heel break toprovide extra traction on rough terrane preventing slipping and injuringone's self, but this shoe is limited to this use and would aestheticallylook strange if one wore hiking sneakers to other events and activities.Another example of current shoes are soccer cleats having studs comingout of the sole to give the wearer support and leverage in theirattempts on the field, but similarly this shoe is limited to itsdesignated activity, namely soccer and sports activities on a grass orartificial grass surface.

This trend is very limiting on consumers. A consumer may see aparticular pair of shoes that they find is their preferred style andcomfort, however is limited to a use they don't partake in very often,causing them to shy away from utilizing their preferred footwear.Furthermore, from a minimalist standpoint, a consumer may find thataccumulating a large number of footwear is not only non-economical butalso takes up more space than they can reasonably allot for footwear,preventing them from pursuing such activities associated with thefootwear.

Yet further, a person lounging at home tends to wear more comfortableshoes such as slippers and may feel the need to go outside, whether totake out the trash or join a basketball game. This person would need togo find their outdoor shoes or basketball shoes, remove their slippers,painstakingly put on their alternate shoes, lace or secure the shoes intheir respective manner and then finally be able to go out and do whatthey set out to do.

These solutions have failed the public, taking up space and wasting timethe public can use for other more important aspects of life. It isdesired to provide a dynamic system and method that solves thedisadvantages in the prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide asystem and method of and for a shoe and a corresponding attachableoutsole or insert, where the shoe's sole fits into a supplementalexterior sole, the supplemental exterior sole having an internal cavitythat fits and corresponds to the exterior shape of the shoe's sole'sdimensions.

It is further an object of the present invention to provide a shoeattachment that provides for selective attributes useful in varyingsituations alleviating the need for multiple pairs of shoes havingdifferent purposes and base styles.

It is further an object of the present invention to provide a base shoethat can attach to a corresponding attachment as well as additionalattachments varying in form and function.

It is further an object of the present invention to provide a system foraltering characteristics of a shoe by using an attachable sole.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a footwearsystem having a removable insert to attach to existing shoes.

These and other objects of the invention are achieved by providing: afootwear system, comprising: a first footwear article configured toaccept a user's foot, the first footwear article having a body and asole attached to the body, the sole having a flange member extendingpast the body forming a wing; and a second footwear article, the secondfootwear article comprising a sole having a raised ridge portion and araised heel portion, the raised ridge portion and the raised healportion forming a cavity configured to accept the wing of the firstfootwear article, wherein the second footwear article is configured tobe detachably attached to the first footwear article.

In certain embodiments, the first footwear article and the secondfootwear article form an interlocking engagement for use by a user.

In certain embodiments, the wing compresses and interacts with theraised ridge portion and the raised heel portion to form theinterlocking engagement between the first footwear article and thesecond footwear article.

In certain embodiments, the wing is comprised of material thatcompresses when force is applied to the wing, and expands when the forceis removed.

In certain embodiments, the wing includes a flange that is proportionalto the cavity in the second footwear article. In certain embodiments,the wing is continuous and is configured to match various cavities forvarious second footwear articles.

In certain embodiments, the wing extends around the entire edge of thefirst footwear article.

In certain embodiments, the sole of the first footwear article isflexible. In certain embodiments, the wing is flexible, and isconfigured to flex to interlock with the cavity of the second footweararticle.

In certain embodiments, the interlocking portion includes interlockingapproximately 180 degrees of the first footwear article to the secondfootwear article.

In certain embodiments, the raised ridge portion of the second footweararticle is comprised of a material that expands to accept the wing, andcontracts to support an interlocking engagement between the firstfootwear article and the second footwear article.

In certain embodiments, the raised ridge portion and the raised heelportion form a continuous singular pocket beginning on sides of thesecond footwear article and extending toward the raised heel portion,wherein the continuous singular pocket is designed to accept theemergence of a proportional counterpart comprising the wing of the firstfootwear article.

In certain embodiments, the raised ridge portion and the raised heelportion form a continuous singular pocket beginning on sides of thesecond footwear article and extending toward the raised heel portion,and further extending toward a medial wall, wherein the continuoussingular pocket is designed to accept the emergence of a proportionalcounterpart comprising the wing of the first footwear article.

In certain embodiments, wherein following contact between the firstfootwear article and second footwear article, the first footwear wingslightly contracts while entering the cavity of the second footweararticle, and then expands filling a pocket along the raised ridge andthe cavity.

In certain embodiments, the first footwear article and the secondfootwear article are resistant against accidental disengagement.

In certain embodiments, the attachment and detachment of the firstfootwear article to or from the second footwear article is pressureactivated.

In certain embodiments, the second footwear article includes an outermember, the outer member configured to hide the raised ridge and raisedheel portion. In certain embodiments, the outer member is designed withan aesthetic embellishment.

In certain embodiments, detaching the second footwear article from thefirst footwear article is accomplished by applying pressure to the heelwith a user's opposing foot and unlocking the attachment between thearticles.

In certain embodiments, the wing extends around the sole's lateral edgeand heel.

In certain embodiments, the first footwear article is selected from agroup consisting of a shoe, slipper, sandal, boot, trainer, cleat, golfshoe, soccer shoe, or a combination thereof.

In certain embodiments, the second footwear article includes an outsole.In certain embodiments, the outsole is rigid. In certain embodiments,the remainder of the second footwear article is flexible.

In certain embodiments, the body of the first footwear article is madeof a flexible material. In certain embodiments, the body of the firstfootwear article is a slipper material.

In certain embodiments, the first footwear article includes an innerliner or material that provides comfort and warmth to the foot of auser.

In certain embodiments, the second footwear article expands andcontracts to accept the wing of the first footwear article to assistwith attaching the second footwear article to the first footweararticle.

In certain embodiments, the second footwear article provides a layer ofprotection over the first footwear article.

In certain embodiments, the second footwear article further comprises atoe cap.

In certain embodiments, the toe cap provides additional toe injuryprotection for the wearer.

In certain embodiments, the second footwear article further comprises astrap substantially along a throat line to provide an additional supportin securing the second footwear article to the first footwear article.In certain embodiments, the strap has locking members to provide anupper support for the first footwear article to lock into the secondfootwear article.

In certain embodiments, the second footwear article acts as a shockabsorber.

In certain embodiments, the second footwear article provides superiortraction compared to the sole of the first footwear article.

In certain embodiments, the first footwear article is selected from agroup consisting of a slip on, laced, straps with buckles, zippers,elastic, buttons, snaps, hook and loop connector, straps that interlockeyelets onto indentations, or a combination thereof.

In certain embodiments, the first footwear article and second footweararticle have textures or finishes selected from a group consisting oflight sandblast, medium sandblast, grain texture, smooth, or acombination thereof.

In certain embodiments, second footwear article material is selectedfrom a group consisting of leather, plastic, foam, fabric, textile,metal, rubber, synthetic, polyurethane, Polyvinyl chloride (PVC), apolymer, or a combination thereof.

In certain embodiments, the footwear system includes ethylene-vinylacetate (EVA). In certain embodiments, the footwear system includes poly(ethylene-vinyl acetate) (PEVA). In certain embodiments, the footwearsystem includes rubber and other copolymer materials.

In certain embodiments, the second footwear article is made of EVA Incertain embodiments, the first footwear article is made of EVA

In certain embodiments, the outsole material is selected from a groupconsisting of wear-resistant, water-resistant, oil-resistant,heat-resistant, pressure resistant, impact resistant, elastic, noteasily deformed after shaping, or a combination thereof.

In certain embodiments, the second footwear article outsole design isselected from a group consisting of a herringbone pattern, lugs, a heelbreak, cleats, studs, or a combination thereof.

Other objects of the invention are achieved by providing a method forattaching the first footwear article to the second footwear article,comprising: inserting a toe portion of the first footwear article into atoe cap of the second footwear article; and exerting downward forceusing at most a user's bodyweight to apply pressure near the heel of thefirst footwear article to insert the wing into the second footweararticle.

Other objects of the invention are achieved by providing a method forremoving the second footwear article from the first footwear article,comprising: applying pressure near the heel with a user's opposite foot;and unlocking the attachment and releasing the second footwear article.

Other objects of the invention are directed to providing a modularfootwear system whereby a first footwear article is configured to attachto a second footwear article.

In certain embodiments, the second footwear article is configured toattach to the first footwear article and a user can configure the secondfootwear article to the task being performed.

Other objects of the invention and its particular features andadvantages will become more apparent from consideration of the followingdrawings and accompanying detailed description. It should be understoodthat the detailed description and specific examples, while indicatingthe preferred embodiment of the invention, are intended for purposes ofillustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of theinvention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side schematic diagram view of an attachable second footweararticle.

FIG. 2 is a side schematic diagram view of an attachable second footweararticle with visual representation of an internal cavity.

FIG. 3 is a side schematic diagram view of a shoe entering an attachablesecond footwear article.

FIG. 4 is a side schematic diagram view of a shoe attached to a secondfootwear article with visual representations of the internal cavity.

FIG. 5 is an external side schematic diagram view of a shoe attached toa second footwear article.

FIG. 6A is a side schematic diagram view of an attachable secondfootwear article with a strap for additional support in securing thearticles together or for varying fashion or design.

FIG. 6B is an alternate side schematic diagram view of an attachablesecond footwear article with a strap receiver.

FIG. 7 is an external side schematic diagram view of a shoe attached toa second footwear article having a strap.

FIG. 8A is an external perspective schematic diagram view of a shoebeing inserted into an attachable second footwear article.

FIG. 8B is an external perspective schematic diagram view of a shoebeing inserted into an attachable second footwear article having astrap.

FIG. 9 is a perspective schematic cutout diagram view of the back of afirst footwear article.

FIG. 10 is a perspective cutout view of the back of a second footweararticle showing a cavity formed by the raised ridge portion and raisedheel portion.

FIG. 11 is a side schematic view of an isolated first footwear articlesole.

FIG. 12 is a bottom schematic view an isolated first foot wear articlesole.

FIG. 13 is a side schematic view of an isolated first footwear articlesole having additional but shallow traction.

FIG. 14 is an exemplary back view of a second footwear article.

FIG. 15 is an exemplary embodiment of a second footwear article havingadditional traction.

FIG. 16 is a bottom schematic view of an exemplary embodiment of asecond footwear article.

FIG. 17A is a top view of an alternate embodiment.

FIG. 17B is a bottom view of the alternate embodiment.

FIG. 18A is a lateral side view of the alternate embodiment.

FIG. 18B is a lateral side view of an isolated sole attachment of thealternate embodiment of FIG. 18A.

FIG. 18C is a top view of an isolated sole attachment of the alternateembodiment of FIG. 18A.

FIG. 19A is a front view of the alternate embodiment.

FIG. 19B is a front view of an isolated sole attachment of the alternateembodiment of FIG. 19A.

FIG. 20A is a back view of the alternate embodiment.

FIG. 20B is a back view of an isolated sole attachment of the alternateembodiment of FIG. 20A.

FIG. 21A is a lateral cross section view of an alternate embodiment.

FIG. 21B is a cross section view of an isolated sole attachment of thealternate embodiment of FIG. 21A substantially through a heel section.

FIG. 21C is a cross section view of an isolated sole attachment of thealternate embodiment of FIG. 21A substantially through an arch section.

FIG. 21D is a cross section view of an isolated sole attachment of thealternate embodiment of FIG. 21A substantially through a ball section.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the following description, numerous details are set forth for thepurpose of explanation. However, one of ordinary skill in the art willrealize that the invention may be practiced without the use of thesespecific details.

The invention is directed to a footwear system having a first footweararticle and a second footwear article, whereby the first footweararticle is configured to be attached to the second footwear article.

Referring to the figures, FIG. 1 is a side schematic diagram view of anattachable second footwear article. Sole attachment 100 includes a sole102 having ridges 108 that can be incorporated into the sole attachmentfor design purposes as well as added functionality such as traction, aswell as shock absorption, as well as a buffer to protect the internalshoe. It shall be noted that other designs may be incorporated withoutdeparting from the purpose of the present invention. Sole attachment 100further includes a toe cap 104 and a heel portion 106.

FIG. 2 is a side schematic diagram view of an attachable second footweararticle with visual representation of an internal cavity. Soleattachment 200 is depicted to show an outline of the interior of thesole attachment 200. Sole attachment 200 has an internal cavity 212 thatspans from the toe area to the heel and along the edges of the sole (notshown). A front end pocket 210 provides space for a toe section of ashoe to enter so as to be secured in place by the toe cap as will beseen in later figures. The toe cap 104 includes the front end space 210and a toe ridge 211. The heel portion 106 includes a heel ridge 214 anda heel pocket 216 for receiving a shoe heel wing having correspondingdimensions. It should be noted that along the lateral and medial edgesof the sole there can be incorporated additional or connected andcontinuous pockets for lateral and/or medial sole wings as will bedescribed below.

FIG. 3 is a side schematic diagram view of a shoe entering an attachablesecond footwear article. System 300 includes shoe 301 having a toesection 302 and an inner sole 303 and a heel section 305. The inner sole303 has a protruding section referred to as a wing 306 having specificdimensions. The shoe 301 enters the sole attachment 307 to fill thesole's cavity 309 by first entering the toe cap 308 and then placingpressure generally in the heel section 305 toward the sole attachment307 causing the inner sole 303 to enter the cavity 309 and the heel wing306 to enter the heel pocket 310. Ridge 312 assists in forming the heelpocket and the combination of the heel pocket 310 and the ridge 312 forma space corresponding to the dimensions of the wing 306. It should benoted that although it is not shown there are additional or continuouspockets running along the edges of the lateral and/medial edges of thesole attachment to receive lateral and medial wing protrusions of theinner sole should the system be designed to incorporate such additionalor continuous wing/pocket attachment points for added secure connectionbetween the components of the system.

FIG. 4 is a side schematic diagram view of a shoe attached to a secondfootwear article with visual representations of the internal cavity.System 400 shows a shoe 301 occupying the cavity 309 of the soleattachment 307. Wherein the toe section 302 occupied the toe cap 308 asdepicted by 402, and heel wing 306 occupies pocket 310 as depicted by406. It is noted that lateral and medial wings (not shown) can occupylateral and medial pocket(s) (not shown) in a similar fashion.

It is noted that the inner sole and/or the sole attachment can bedesigned to expand and/or contract to accommodate assembling thecomponents of the system and for disassembling the system. For instance,the inner sole may contract to accommodate passage into the cavity as topass the ridges that would later support the connection between thecomponents and then the inner sole expands to its original shape andsize to fill the cavity and pockets so as to provide a secure fit.Alternatively, the sole attachment may expand to allow for the innersole to enter its cavity and then contract back to its original shapeand size to provide a secure fit. It should be noted that a combinationof both can be utilized depending on the design of the system.

FIG. 5 is an external side schematic diagram view of a shoe attached toa second footwear article. System 500 shows an external view of thepreceding figures. As can be seen by the FIG. 5 the shoe 508 is combinedwith the sole attachment 307. Sole attachment 307 covers, protects,provides style variation, provides varying functionality or acombination thereof to shoe 508. Sole attachment 307 is securelyattached to the shoe 508 by the toe cap 502, side pockets 504 and heelpockets 506 fitting to the dimensions of its corresponding components.

FIG. 6A is a side schematic diagram view of an attachable secondfootwear article with a strap for additional support in securing thearticles together or for varying fashion or design. Sole attachment 600Ashows an example of how the sole attachment can be varied to not onlyprovide a stylistic alternative but also add a level of security to thesystem. Sole attachment 600A additionally incorporates a strap 604substantially along but not limited to a throat line. In this exemplaryembodiment strap 604 includes eyelets, holes, protrusions, buttons, hookand loop connectors or the like 602 for securing the strap to theopposing side of the sole attachment. Strap 604 adds additional supportbetween a shoe and the sole attachment. Additionally the strap 604 canbe designed to be aesthetically pleasing wherein users or consumers maychoose to incorporate such a strap for fashion purposes. It should benoted that this figure is merely an example and many if not limitlessvariation can be designed into the sole attachment with or without astrap, without departing from the intent of the present invention.

FIG. 6B is an alternate side schematic diagram view of an attachablesecond footwear article with a strap receiver. 600B shows an opposingview to 600A where the other side of the sole attachment can be seen.600B shows strap receiver 608 having holes, indents, protrusions, hookand loop, or the like connectors 610 to correspond and connect toconnectors 602.

FIG. 7 is an external side schematic diagram view of a shoe attached toa second footwear article having a strap. System 700 shows a combinationas described where a shoe 704 is connected to a sole attachment 706having a strap 702 substantially across its throat line.

FIG. 8A is an external perspective schematic diagram view of a shoebeing inserted into an attachable second footwear article. System 800Ashows shoe 802 toe area 808 being inserted into the toe cap 810 of soleattachment 812. The heel wing 804 is applied with some pressure to theheel section 806 of the sole attachment 812. Of note is the differencebetween the inner sole 813 and the sole attachment 812. While inner sole813 has a substantially flat surface, the sole attachment 812 has deepridges 814 adding specific traction as preferred for a selectedactivity.

FIG. 8B is an external perspective schematic diagram view of a shoebeing inserted into an attachable second footwear article having astrap. 800B similarly shows a shoe entering a sole attachment 812 butwith a strap 815 incorporated therein. In this embodiment strap 815 hasprotrusions 816 that fit into corresponding eyelets 814 for addedsupport in combining the components of the system.

FIG. 9 is a perspective schematic cutout diagram view of the back of afirst footwear article. A close up view of heel section 900 shows that aflap 904 can be incorporated into the system for more easily fitting afoot, along with a pull tab 908 to assist with getting the heel portionof the shoe over a heel of a user, avoiding the need for a shoe horn. Inthis embodiment heel wing 902 is continuous with lateral wing 906. It isnoted that any or all of the sole edges can have a wing protrudingwithout departing with the purpose of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a perspective cutout view of the back of a second footweararticle showing a heel wing pocket. Sole attachment heel section 1000substantially corresponds to the heel section 900. Heel pocket 1004 iscontinuous with lateral pocket 1006. Heel pocket 1004 and lateral pocket1006 substantially correspond to heel wing 902 and lateral wing 906respectively. Similarly but not shown a wing and pocket can beincorporated around the circumference of the sole attachment. It shouldbe noted that it is not necessary for the wing and corresponding pocketsto have exactly the same dimensions. Variation in the dimensions can beincorporated without departing from the present invention and may bepreferred depending on the design of the system.

FIG. 11 is a side schematic view of an isolated first footwear articlesole. Inner sole 1100 depicts a heel wing 1102 and lateral wing 1104which protrudes past the perimeter of its base shoe. Note the flatsurface 1106 as a user may prefer the base shoe to have a smooth surfaceas is seen in many contemporary show styles.

FIG. 12 is a bottom schematic view an isolated first footwear articlesole. Textured inner sole 1200 can alternatively have a treading,grooves, traction, or pattern as depicted or the like as to have sometraction but not to the extent that would be found in hiking boots orother like shoes with large grooves.

FIG. 13 is a side schematic view of an isolated first footwear articlesole having additional but shallow traction. Textured inner sole 1300shows a side view of textured inner sole 1200 so as to depict theshallow ridges forming a minimal amount of traction. Note that moretraction is possible on the inner sole and that this figure is forexemplary purposes only. Deep grooves and alternate sole designs can beincorporated without departing from the present invention.

FIG. 14 is an exemplary back view of a second footwear article. Heelsection 1400 is an example of a back view of a heel section of a soleattachment 1402.

FIG. 15 is an exemplary embodiment of a second footwear article havingadditional traction. Sole attachment 1500 depicts a sole having varyinggrooves and ridges 1502 designed for added traction, the design of whichcan be varied for functional or aesthetic purposes.

FIG. 16 is a bottom schematic view of an exemplary embodiment of asecond footwear article. Sole attachment underside 1600 depicts anexample for a sole attachment design. Cross hatching 1606 and 1608 mayadd stability in maneuvering in different directions as utilized inbasketball sneakers where a player can turn in place and move quickly invarying directions. Straight troughs 1604 and 1610 can assist in runningin a specific direction. As can be seen, the addition of the soleattachment can be very useful and adds many dimensions to a morestandard base shoe in look and functionality relative to such acombination.

FIG. 17A is a top view of an alternate embodiment. System 1700 includesa slipper 1701 incorporated into a sole attachment 1706 to make thesystem function substantially like a basketball sneaker, running shoe,or the like. The sole attachment in the toe area 1708 is thinner thanthe rest of the sole attachment for functional purposes as will bediscussed more thoroughly below. The heel portion 1704 of the soleattachment 1706 is thicker and extends substantially beyond the edge ofthe slipper 1701 providing more material for a secure attachment in theheel portion which in this embodiment is a pivotal connection pointholding the sole attachment to the slipper.

FIG. 17B is a bottom view of the alternate embodiment. Underside of soleattachment 1750 shows varying ridges and grooves that function to makethe system operate substantially like a basketball sneaker, runningshoe, or the like. Heel section 1752, arch section 1754, ball section1756, and toe section 1758, can have varying designs, thicknesses,materials, traction, stretch, flexibility.

FIG. 18A is a lateral side view of the alternate embodiment. System 1800includes a slipper 1802 having a large opening for ease of access, and apull tab 1806 on the back end of the slipper 1802 for grip to pull theslipper 1802 over a user's heel. Toe cap 1808 has a narrow profileallowing flexibility in the toe area for various purposes such asjumping and running.

FIG. 18B is a lateral side view of an isolated sole attachment of thealternate embodiment of FIG. 18A. Sole attachment in areas 1812, 1814,and 1816 have separate and varying design and heights to enhance theconnection between the sole attachment and design purposes. As can beseen design of the sole attachment can have other functions such asconnectivity and functionality. In this embodiment the material of thesole attachment is thinner at 1813, 1815, and 1817 to allow moreflexibility between the sections 1812, 1814, and 1816. This allows forthe connection between the slipper or shoe and the sole attachment tooperate in separate parts so as to avoid accidental disengagement. Ifone section disengages during use, the sole attachment does notcompletely disengage, only the individual portion disengages, howeversince the other portions are still engaged continued use re-engages thedisengaged portion.

FIG. 18C is a top view of an isolated sole attachment of the alternateembodiment of FIG. 18A. The sole attachment can include its own sizeindicator to ensure that the correct sole attachment is used for aslipper or shoe counterpart.

FIG. 19A is a front view of the alternate embodiment and FIG. 19B is afront view of an isolated sole attachment of the alternate embodiment ofFIG. 19A. This embodiment shows how the sole attachment can add a thinand flexible frontal curved sole for assistance in running, jumping, andother movements.

FIG. 20A is a back view of the alternate embodiment and FIG. 20B is aback view of an isolated sole attachment of the alternate embodiment ofFIG. 20A. Slipper 2000 has a gradual increase in size toward the lowerend of the slipper 2002 and then the sole attachment 2006 issubstantially larger adding stability.

FIG. 21A is a lateral cross section view of an alternate embodiment.System 2100 shows the slipper sole 2106 having a corresponding fit withthe sole attachment 2120. The toe section 2110 in this embodiment isrelatively thin and the sole attachment increases in thickness as itspans across the slipper toward the heel. In this embodiment the heelsection 2125, arch section 2150, ball section 2175, and toe section 2110vary accordingly.

FIG. 21B is a cross section view of an isolated sole attachment of thealternate embodiment of FIG. 21A substantially through a heel section.In this embodiment Heel section 2125 bottom 2127 is thicker than thebottoms of the arch or ball section so as to provide for additionalshock absorption. The side walls 2129 has a middling height providingfor the ability to disengage the sole attachment on demand but stillavoiding accidental disengagement.

FIG. 21C is a cross section view of an isolated sole attachment of thealternate embodiment of FIG. 21A substantially through an arch section.In this embodiment Arch section 2150 side walls 2154 are higher than theheel section side walls 2129 as the connection in the arch section mayrequire a stronger connection to facilitate reduced disengagement. Inthis embodiment initiating disengagement of the sole attachment is notdone in the arch section but the heel section exclusively. Bottom 2152or the arch section 2150 is thinner than the heel section bottom 2127 asthe arch section does not require as much shock absorption.

FIG. 21D is a cross section view of an isolated sole attachment of thealternate embodiment of FIG. 21A substantially through a ball section.In this embodiment Ball section 2175 bottom 2178 and side walls 2180 arethe shortest and thinnest among the sections, however ball section 2175is the widest. The added width of the ball section 2175 adds tractionwhich is useful in basketball, running, and the like. In this embodimentside walls 2180 are not required to be as tall as the rest of the sidewalls as there is additional connection support provided by the toesection 2110, preventing accidental disengagement.

Having thus described several embodiments for practicing the inventivemethod, its advantages and objectives can be easily understood.Variations from the description above may and can be made by one skilledin the art without departing from the scope of the invention.

Accordingly, this invention is not to be limited by the embodiments asdescribed, which are given by way of example only and not by way oflimitation.

What is claimed is:
 1. A footwear system, comprising: a first footweararticle configured to accept a user's foot, the first footwear articlehaving a body and a sole attached to the body, the body having a toesection attached to the sole at a front end of the first footweararticle, the sole having a flange member extending past the body forminga wing, wherein the toe section and the wing have an exterior shapematching an interior space of a second footwear article; and the secondfootwear article comprising a sole having a toe cap extending on top ofand over the toe section of the body, the toe cap having internaldimensions forming a corresponding fit to external dimensions of the toesection of the body, the sole having a raised ridge portion and a raisedheel portion, the raised ridge portion and the raised heel portionforming a cavity configured to accept the wing of the first footweararticle, the cavity having internal dimensions forming a correspondingfit to external dimensions of the wing of the first footwear article,wherein the second footwear article is configured to be detachablyattached to the first footwear article, and wherein each of the firstand second footwear articles is purposely fit for the other.
 2. Thefootwear system of claim 1, wherein the first footwear article and thesecond footwear article form an interlocking engagement for use by auser.
 3. The footwear system of claim 1, wherein the wing compresses andinteracts with the raised ridge portion and the raised heel portion toform the interlocking engagement between the first footwear article andthe second footwear article.
 4. The footwear system of claim 1, whereinthe wing is comprised of material that compresses when force is appliedto the wing, and expands when the force is removed.
 5. The footwearsystem of claim 1, wherein the raised ridge portion of the secondfootwear article is comprised of a material that expands to accept thewing, and contracts to support an interlocking engagement between thefirst footwear article and the second footwear article, and wherein thetoe section of the first footwear article forms a corresponding fit withthe toe cap of the second footwear article without forming aninterlocking engagement therebetween.
 6. The footwear system of claim 1,wherein the raised ridge portion and the raised heel portion form acontinuous singular pocket beginning on a lateral edge of the secondfootwear article and extending toward the raised heel portion, whereinthe continuous singular pocket is designed to accept the wing of thefirst footwear article.
 7. The footwear system of claim 1, wherein theraised ridge portion and the raised heel portion form a continuoussingular pocket beginning on a lateral edge of the second footweararticle, extending around the raised heel portion, and ending on amedial edge of the second footwear article, wherein the continuoussingular pocket is designed to accept the wing of the first footweararticle.
 8. The footwear system of claim 7, wherein the second footweararticle further comprises a lateral pocket, the lateral pocket havinginternal dimensions corresponding to external dimensions of a lateralportion of the wing.
 9. The footwear system of claim 1, whereinfollowing contact between the first footwear article and second footweararticle, the wing of the first footwear article contracts while enteringthe cavity of the second footwear article, and then expands filling thecavity.
 10. The footwear system of claim 1, wherein the attachment anddetachment of the first footwear article to or from the second footweararticle is pressure activated.
 11. The footwear system of claim 1,wherein detaching the second footwear article from the first footweararticle is accomplished by applying pressure to the raised heel portionwith a user's opposing foot and unlocking an attachment between thefirst and second footwear articles.
 12. The footwear system of claim 1,wherein the wing extends around the sole's lateral edge and heel. 13.The footwear of claim 1, wherein the first footwear article is selectedfrom a group consisting of a shoe, slipper, sandal, boot, trainer,cleat, golf shoe, soccer shoe, or a combination thereof.
 14. Thefootwear of claim 1, wherein the second footwear article expands andcontracts to accept the wing of the first footwear article to assistwith attaching the second footwear article to the first footweararticle.
 15. The footwear system of claim 1, wherein the second footweararticle further comprises a strap substantially along a throat line toprovide an additional support in securing the second footwear article tothe first footwear article.
 16. The footwear system of claim 1, whereinthe second footwear article acts as a shock absorber and providessuperior traction compared to the sole of the first footwear article.17. A method for attaching a first footwear article to a second footweararticle, the method comprising: providing the first footwear article andthe second footwear article of claim 1; inserting the toe section of thefirst footwear article into the toe cap of the second footwear article;and exerting downward force to apply pressure to the wing of the firstfootwear article to insert the wing of the first footwear article intothe cavity of the second footwear article, a lateral portion of the winginterlocking with a lateral pocket of the second footwear article, aheel portion of the wing interlocking with a heel pocket of the secondfootwear article, and a medial portion of the wing interlocking with amedial pocket of the second footwear article.
 18. A method for removinga first footwear article from a second footwear article, the methodcomprising: providing the first footwear article and the second footweararticle of claim 1; applying pressure near a heel of the first footweararticle with a user's opposite foot; and unlocking an attachment andreleasing the second footwear article from the first footwear article, alateral portion of the wing unlocking from a lateral pocket of thesecond footwear article, a heel portion of the wing unlocking from aheel pocket of the second footwear article, and a medial portion of thewing unlocking from a medial pocket of the second footwear article. 19.The footwear system of claim 1, wherein the wing extends to the frontend of the first footwear article.
 20. The footwear system of claim 1,wherein a bottom portion of the sole of the second footwear articleincreases in thickness spanning from a toe section of the secondfootwear article to a heel section of the second footwear article,wherein the raised ridge portion and the raised heel portion form acontinuous singular pocket beginning on a lateral edge of the secondfootwear article, extending around the raised heel portion, and endingon a medial edge of the second footwear article, wherein the continuoussingular pocket is designed to accept the wing of the first footweararticle, and wherein the second footwear article further comprises alateral pocket, the lateral pocket having internal dimensionscorresponding to external dimensions of a lateral portion of the wing.